More people are choosing heat pumps now, helped by schemes like Connected for Warmth that make them more accessible
Heat pumps work by taking heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) to warm your home
Using a heat pump carefully can help you save money and energy, while being kinder to the environment
Heat pumps are becoming more popular across the UK, especially with government support making them easier to buy. Last year, the number of homes installing heat pumps increased by over 50%, thanks to grants and schemes to encourage their use.
Heat pumps are a cleaner way to heat your home, and they fit well with the UK’s goal to cut down carbon emissions. In this blog, LEAP explains how heat pumps work, how they can save you money, and some top tips for using them in the best way.
Air source heat pumps take heat from the air outside, even when it’s cold. They are essentially large fans that absorb thermal energy from the air and use electricity to compress and increase the level of heat. The heat is then sent to your radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water tank. Instead of quickly heating your home like a boiler, heat pumps work slowly and steadily, keeping your house warm over a long period. Because they keep running gently and continuously, they’re very efficient.
Heat pumps can help you save money because they use free heat from the air around your home. They run most cheaply when they stay on all day, slowly keeping your home warm rather than switching on and off. Since they use electricity to move heat, they often use less energy than traditional gas or electric boilers, which means lower bills. Also, if your home is well insulated, it will stay warm for longer, making the heat pump even cheaper to run.
Unlike traditional heating systems, heat pumps act more like a renewable energy source because they turn natural air heat into warmth. They can produce about three times more heat energy than the electricity they use. If your house is insulated well, the heat stays inside, and the heat pump doesn’t need to work as hard. Modern heat pumps often have helpful features such as programmable settings and thermostats, which allow you to set your preferred temperature and save even more energy.
To get the best from your heat pump, here are some simple tips:
Use radiator valves or controls to lower the temperature in rooms you don’t use often, such as spare bedrooms. Keep the main rooms at a comfortable level.
Don’t switch the heat pump off completely. It’s more energy-efficient to leave it on at a steady, moderate temperature than to turn it off and wait to heat up again later.
At night, turn the temperature down slightly. If you are going away for a day or more, set it to a lower ‘frost protection’ mode to stop pipes from freezing, and save energy.
During warmer months, switch your heat pump to ‘summer’ mode or lower the thermostat so there’s no heating but hot water still works.
Make sure your home is well insulated. Keeping the heat in will help your heat pump work less and save you money.
The Connected for Warmth scheme offers support to help households install air source heat pumps, a modern and energy-efficient way to heat homes. By joining the scheme, eligible applicants can receive a free air source heat pump system, which uses outside air to provide warmth and hot water, even in cold weather.
In addition to the free installation, the scheme also provides energy bill support, especially for those with health conditions that make heating costs a challenge. Qualifying applicants can receive up to £1,000 over two years to help with ongoing energy costs.
If you’re interested in upgrading your home with an air source heat pump and receiving help with energy costs, visit the Connected For Warmth website to register your interest and see if you qualify.
For more handy LEAP advice, you can download our easy guide to Air Source Heat Pumps or call our support team at 0800 060 7567.
